Ushakov's medal was a very popular award of the USSR Navy during the Second World War and subsequent times. The history of its creation and description is devoted to this article.
The medal was introduced as a military award by a resolution of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on March 3, 1944. After this decree, it underwent many changes, and only at the end of March 1980 the final model of the medal was officially approved.
Award Regulation
Admiral Ushakov’s medal was approved for the award for courage and courage shown in defending the homeland in naval theaters of war.
This medal is awarded to both soldiers and sailors, sergeants and corporals of the Navy, and naval border troops.
The medal really needs to be earned. Awarding the Ushakov medal, the command is guided by many conditions. Here are some merit awarded medals:
- protection of the maritime state border ;
- fulfillment of the combat missions set by the leadership in the units of the Navy;
- performance of military duty with a certain risk to health and life;
- directly for conducting hostilities with the enemy.
Ushakov’s medal is worn on the left chest. If there are other military awards, then it should be placed after the medal “For Courage”.
History of the creation of the medal
Ushakov’s medal is actually an analogue of the “For Courage” infantry medal; they only award it to the personnel of the Navy.
Initiated the creation and approval of the medal by the People's Commissar of the Navy of the USSR Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov. The final decision on the establishment of the medal was made by the Red Army Commission. The decoration of the medal was designed by a group of artists led by B. M. Khomich. Directly designed by A. L. Diodorov.
During the Great Patriotic War, Ushakov medals were awarded to officers of the Navy (commanders of fleets, squadrons, artillery crews, naval infantry brigades, etc.).
Awarded the Ushakov Medal
The first gentlemen of the Ushakov medal:
- In the Northern Fleet - foreman N.V. Fadeev. He was awarded the medal by decree of May 26, 1944.
- In the Baltic Fleet - Senior Red Navy A.K. Afanasyev. He was awarded the medal by decree of June 26, 1944.
- In the Black Sea Fleet - warrant officer V.P. Stepanenko. He was awarded the medal by decree of April 20, 1944.
At the end of July 1945, according to a decree of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, 5 US Navy sailors were awarded the Ushakov Medal.
There are cases when the medal was awarded repeatedly. Twice the medal was received by P.K. Kladiev, V.P. Borisov, A.P. Fedorenko.
Description of the military award
Ushakov’s medal is made in the form of a circle, the diameter of which is 35 mm, in the center there is an image of Admiral Ushakov, which is framed by points around the circumference (84 in total). At the top of the medal in a circle is the inscription "ADMIRAL OF USHAKOV." Between these two words is a five-pointed star. At the bottom of the coin are two laurel branches.
The award is made of high quality silver (925th test), the final sample together with the block weighs about 35 grams.
If we talk about the medal ribbon, then it is made of blue silk fabric . White stripes (2 mm each) are applied along the edges along the tape. The total width of the medal tape is 25 mm.
The medal has two options. The first was the main one, they were awarded during the war years. After the medal was somewhat modernized. The second option was awarded already in the 80s of the last century.
Thus, we examined the history of the creation of the Ushakov medal, learned the names of the servicemen who were awarded this medal. Ushakov’s medal was a very popular award among soldiers, sailors and commanders, the award was perceived as a sign of valor, heroism and sacrifice.